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01/12/2022 07:00 AM

Owe It to Ourselves


Daniel Hand created what we know as the Academy School Building. A bit of history tells us Daniel Hand’s trust fund of $1.5 million gifted to the Town of Madison was, at the time, the largest philanthropic gift to a benevolent association in the history of the nation. The approximate value in today’s market would be $35 to $42 million.

I think it is interesting that our budgeted price to renovate/restore this gem of a building is $15.9 million, equivalent to 10 times the original gift amount given to our town. A community center that will also be home to Madison Youth & Family Services and Beach & Recreation is a perfect plan to honor Daniel Hand’s wishes of Hand Academy serving as an educational vessel for the Town of Madison.

On Feb. 15, the town of Madison will have the opportunity to vote “Yes” or “No” to the Academy Community Center. My hope is that we collectively act to preserve this treasure and gift to our town. Madison residents voted “Yes” for the referendum to purchase the Surf Club and Garvan Point approximately 50 years ago. Imagine Madison without two of our prized crown jewels if the residents had voted it down. A community center promotes socialization of all ages, arts, music, and theater and will most certainly boost local economy and property values. I encourage your readers to vote “Yes” for the Madison Community Center budget. We owe it to ourselves and future generations!

Rosalyn Fahey

Madison